Dearth of manpower major obstacle in curbing illegal extraction of sand from Jhelum: DMO Baramulla


Baramulla, Dec 27 (KNS): District Mineral Officer (DMO) Baramulla Sartaj Ahmad  said that the dearth of manpower in the department is a major obstacle to curb the illegal extraction of sand and other minerals from Jhelum.
While speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the officer said that the radius of the district is vast and 20 to 22 persons can't control the illegal extraction of minerals from Jhelum. He said the commumication has been sent to higher authorities to fill the vaccum so that this "unlawful" trade would be stopped and elements involved into would be taken to task.
He added even 70 to 80 personnel cannot fill the vaccum as there is need of bulk manpower. "The district has spread on vast area so dozens of personnel can't monitor each and every illegal action", he said.
He added that in Khadinyar area we have took stock of the situation and seized a tipper who was ferrying the material extracted from Jhelum illegally. "The tipper has been handed over to concern police post", he added.
The officer further added that those extracing material from Jhelum haven't recieved proper permission from the authorities. "The extraction shall abide legal norms besides all environmental safeguards into account", he said.
He also said that all Nalas in the diatricted would be strictly monitored and safeguarded. "Some elements are resorting to unscientifical measures that are disastrous for the environment", he said.
About Chakla village, he said we have taken strong note of extraction happened there and FIRs stand lodged against the involved persons. "We will monitor the movement of tippers and other vehicles being used for transportation of sand and other minerals being extracted illegally and whosoever would be involved in the act would be dealt sternly", officer said. (KNS) 

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